According to the a recent state Department of Health respiratory virus surveillance report, the southern area of the state, Burlington and Camden counties and below, are undergoing a “moderate” influenza activity level.
To avoid and fight the flu, Virtua has recommended the following information and tips.
According to Dr. Jasmeet Singh Bhogal, medical director of Virtua Express Urgent Care, the flu is acute respiratory illness, usually seen in the winter months, and is caused by the caused by the Influenza A or Influenza B virus.
Bhogal said flu is contagious mainly through respiratory secretions, and typically is the result of coming in close contact with patients who have the flu.
Bhogal cites the period of contagiousness for those with the flu as usually one day before the start of the symptoms to five to seven days after the illness has begun.
Bhogal said flu vaccinations are good to get because they help fight the strains of the virus that cause the flu, and in some cases can help decrease the severity of the symptoms that the flu would otherwise cause in higher-risk patients who are older or have other medical problems.
“I think it’s a very safe vaccine to have,” Bhogal said.“The only real contrary indications to the vaccine is if someone is allergic to a particular component of the vaccine and there are some issues with some vaccines with egg allergies, but really overall the vaccine itself is very safe to have.”
However, according to Bhogal, even when vaccinated, people can still get the flu, as it depends on what strains of flu are most prevalent in the community compared to the current year’s vaccine and if it was made to fight those strains or not, as with this year’s vaccine.
This year’s vaccine hasn’t been as effective as previous years because the strain of virus that’s being passed around isn’t similar to what’s included in the vaccine.
According to the most recent FluView report, the weekly Influenza surveillance reports prepared by the Influenza division of the Center for Disease Control, only one-third of the 288 Influenza A (H3N2) viruses tested have been characterized as similar to the Influenza A component of the vaccine being given in the Northern Hemisphere. That leaves about two-thirds of the viruses analyzed between Oct. 1 and Jan. 3 more similar to different types of H3N2, which are not included in this year’s vaccine.
For those who think they might have the flu, Bhogal said typical symptoms include cold symptoms such as congestion, cough, fevers and body aches, with symptoms such as nausea and vomiting more present in children as compared to adults.
According to Bhogal, patients who think they have the flu can for the most part manage their symptoms as long as they rest at home, drink plenty of fluids, and use over-the-counter medications.
Yet if those symptoms persist or worsen, Bhogal advises seeking professional medical assistance.
Virtua also has the following general tips for those looking to avoid getting the flu:
• Get a flu vaccination, as the flu season encompasses both the winter and spring. Within two weeks, the vaccine will help the body fight off the flu.
• Be vigilant about hand washing, as there is no such thing as too much hand washing during flu season. Lather up for 20 to 30 seconds before rinsing with warm/hot water.
• Sneeze into tissues when available and discard after one use. Otherwise, sneeze into a shoulder or elbow.
• Attempt to limit touching the facial area. Viruses already on a person’s hands hands can enter their body through the eyes, nose and mouth.
• Attempt to avoid those who are already coughing or sneezing, and postpone visits with those specifically known to already have the flu.
If all else fails, and sickness starts or the flu is contracted, Virtua advises to avoid other people and stay home from work or school so that others are not infected.
